Immunisations for whooping cough and flu during pregnancy

Whooping cough (pertussis) and influenza (flu) vaccines are very safe to be given during pregnancy and are recommended to protect both the mother and the baby during pregnancy and in the first few months after birth.

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease. Babies who are too young to start their immunisations are particularly at risk of this serious disease. Babies less than six months of age who get the disease are likely to need to be treated in hospital and can die from whooping cough.

Pregnant women can help protect their newborn from this disease by getting immunised in the third trimester (the last 3 months of pregnancy).

The whooping cough vaccine is free in South Australia for pregnant women in their third trimester, as well as for children and adolescents. Speak to your midwife, doctor* or immunisation provider. *Your doctor may charge a consultation fee.

Anyone who will have close contact with the baby should also be immunised. This includes dads, grandparents, carers and any other adults or children in the household who will have close contact with the baby in the early weeks of life. Adults can access the vaccine at a cost - the immunisations are not free.

Your doctor can give you a prescription for the vaccine. The cost of the vaccine will vary between pharmacies.

Some local councils have the vaccine available for purchase at immunisation clinics. Contact your local council for more information.

Flu - influenza

When you are pregnant, your immune system is naturally suppressed, or weakened, which puts pregnant women at a greater risk of getting the flu. Pregnant women are more likely to become seriously ill or die from complications of the flu than the general population.

Flu vaccine is very safe and can be given at any time during pregnancy.

The flu vaccine is free for all pregnant women in South Australia. Speak to your midwife, doctor* or immunisation provider. *Your doctor may charge a consultation fee.